Garth Hudson, Last Surviving Member of The Band, Passes Away at 87
Garth Hudson, the virtuoso keyboardist of The Band, whose innovative style infused classics like Up on Cripple Creek, The Weight, and Rag Mama Rag with a unique blend of sounds and textures, has died at the age of 87. Hudson, the eldest and last surviving member of the influential group, passed away in a nursing home in upstate New York. His death was confirmed Tuesday by The Canadian Press, citing his friend Jan Haust. Further details were not immediately available.
Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1937 to a family of musicians, Hudson was classically trained from an early age but shifted to rock and roll by his 20s. He joined The Band—then known as The Hawks—after being recruited by Ronnie Hawkins. Concerned his parents might disapprove of his new path, Hudson was officially hired as a “musical consultant,” earning an additional $10 a week.
A rustic figure with an expansive forehead and sprawling beard, Hudson’s musical prowess extended far beyond the keyboard. His signature Lowrey organ, paired with his mastery of piano, synthesizers, and horns, created the rich, evocative soundscapes that defined The Band. Whether it was the playful clavinet on Up on Cripple Creek, the dynamic piano on Rag Mama Rag, or the poignant saxophone on It Makes No Difference, Hudson’s contributions were indispensable.
Although he rarely took center stage, Hudson had a defining moment with Chest Fever, a track that began with his improvisational organ solo, The Genetic Method. This eclectic piece showcased his ability to blend classical, folk, and rock influences into a seamless introduction.
The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Its original lineup—Hudson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Robbie Robertson—crafted a legacy of camaraderie and innovation that shaped the sound of Americana and roots music. Tragically, Hudson outlived all his bandmates, with Robertson passing in 2023, Helm in 2012, Danko in 1999, and Manuel in 1986.
The Band’s early years included backing Bob Dylan during his groundbreaking tours of 1965-66, when he transitioned from acoustic folk to electric rock. The collaboration faced backlash but ultimately redefined modern music. By 1967, they settled in Woodstock, New York, where Hudson oversaw the recording of The Basement Tapes. These sessions, a mix of folk, country, and original compositions like I Shall Be Released and Tears of Rage, became foundational to the Americana genre.
The Band’s debut album, Music from Big Pink, released in 1968, was a departure from the psychedelic trends of the era, earning praise from peers like The Beatles and Eric Clapton. Their follow-up, The Band (1969), is still hailed as one of rock’s greatest albums.
Hudson’s contributions extended beyond The Band. He collaborated with artists like Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, and Emmylou Harris and performed with latter iterations of The Band. In 2001, he released his solo album, The Sea to the North. Despite his musical achievements, Hudson faced financial difficulties later in life, including bankruptcy and the loss of his belongings in a storage auction.
Hudson’s wife, Maud, died in 2022, leaving behind their daughter, Tami Zoe Hill.
Reflecting on his time with The Band, Hudson described his role in a 2002 interview: “My job was to provide arrangements with pads underneath, pads and fills behind good poets. Same poems every night.”
Garth Hudson’s legacy will endure as a cornerstone of The Band’s sound and a vital influence on generations of musicians.
